Discuss 2019 Business Appreciation Day Event

Purpose:

Provide update to the EDA of the status of 2019 event and to receive feedback.

Background: 

The City of Ramsey has a rich history in hosting a Business Appreciation Day / Business of the Year event to celebrate the great businesses in our community.  Historically, the City has had up to 144 participants in the event and staff hopes to improve on the participation from last year (96).  Wells Catering has been the caterer for the event in past years and has agreed to do so again in 2019.  Staff is satisfied with the service provided by Wells Catering.  The Links of Northfork have been the host of this event since it has grown over the years and have agreed to host again.  The facility size and layout are conducive to a great event.  All aspects relating to the format, golf, meal and 2019 Business of the Year ceremony remain the same as last year.  The EDA has always provided a City of Ramsey item for each of the participating golfers. Staff proposes that this marketing "giveaway" continue and has selected a City of Ramsey logoed golf umbrella. 

N/A

The City of Ramsey Economic Development Team has been working with Ace Sales, Wells Catering, The Links at Northfork and other local vendors to get pricing for event related activities and items.  Based on information we have received at this time, the $4,000 allocation that the EDA has typically provided for this event should be sufficient to maintain a balanced budget.  This event focuses on networking and celebration for all Ramsey businesses. Staff is looking for authorization to move forward in event planning and to select vendors and items.

Budget:
Staff has put together a preliminary budget that includes a $4,000 EDA allocation as in previous years.  The preliminary budget for the event is $18,065.00.  The remaining balance is funded through sponsorships and event registrations. The 2019 budget includes some of these key highlights:

Key Line Item Costs per Attendee

$99.00  - Cost for Golf $99.00 (same as last year)
$35.00  - Cost for Dinner Only (same as last year)
$17.00  - Promo Logo Umbrella item (up from $16.03 last year)

Once EDA has approved $4,000 budget allocation, Staff would like to send out the attached Save the Date flyer to Ramsey Busineses and past attendees on or before May 13, 2019.  Please review and provide comments.

Key Dates (tentative):
May 13 - Save the Date flyers emailed and posted on website.
June 3 - Event invites sent out via email.
June 3- Online registration opens.
August 9 - Online registration closes.
August 20 - Business Appreciation Day / 2019 Business of the Year

Emcee:
Chair Jim Steffen has agreed to Emcee the event.

EDA Marketing Budget and Event Revenue - $4,000

Motion to authorize EDA budget allocation of $4,000 for the 2019 Business Appreciation Day Event.

and

Motion to authorize Staff to move forward with event planning and coordination of the 2019 Business Appreciation Day event on Tuesday, April 20, 2019 to be held at the Links at Northfork and catered by Wells Catering.

Motion to authorize EDA budget allocation of $4,000 for the 2019 Business Appreciation Day Event.

and

Motion to authorize Staff to move forward with event planning and coordination of the 2019 Business Appreciation Day event on Tuesday, April 20, 2019 to be held at the Links at Northfork and catered by Wells Catering.